Fracture splint



Nov. 16 1926.

H. C. FOWLER FRACTURE SPLI NT Filed July 26 3mm Hal/g 61M 37M 276M Ill HARRY C. FOWLER,

G1 GANTGN, 01-110.

FRACTURE SPLENT.

Application filed July 26, 1924. Serial No. 728,499.

The invention relates to splints for surgical use in setting broken bones, and more especially to a fracture splint for use upon the leg.

The objects of the invention are to provide a splint which is light in weight but sufficiently rigid to hold the broken bone in position; to provide means for raising or lowering the splint with reference to the floor in order that the patient may place the broken limb in a comfortable position; to provide casters upon the splint for engagement with the floor in order that the patient may change the position of the broken limb; and to generally improve and simplify fracture splints of this general character.

An embodiment of the invention is illustrated in the accompanying drawing in which the figure is a perspective view of a. splint emboding the invention.

Similar numerals refer to similar parts throughout the drawing.

In order that the splint maybe light in weight and yet sufficiently rigid to hold the broken parts of the bone in position, it is desirable to form the entire splint of aluminum or similar material, aluminum being preferable as it is translucent to the X rays to a greater extent than human bone.

The body or leg portion of the splint is preferably formed of sheet aluminum and comprises the channel or trough shaped member 1 provided throughout its area with the substantially large perforations 2 terminating at points spaced from the edges thereof. For the purpose of strengthening the le member, the edge of the same is rolled into a bead 3, aluminum wire 4 being preferably located therein to reinforce the bead.

The forward end of the leg portion is out out as shown at 5 to accommodate the heel of the wearer, the edge of the metal of the cut out portion being preferably folded back as shown at 6, to provide a smooth surface which will not injure the foot of the patient.

The footportion of the splint is preferably composed of the aluminum frame 7 to which a plate or sheet 8, also of aluminum, is attached as by the rivets 9. The frame 7 is provided with the central, comparatively wide cross bar 10, to which the angle members 11 are connected as by the rivets 12, these angle members being connected to the sides of the leg portion of the splint as by the rivets 13.

A curved strap of aluminum 1% is connected to the lower end of the leg portion, adjacent to the cut out 5, as by the rivets'15, and the other end of the strap is connected in any suitable manner to the plate 8 of the foot portion.

The cross bar 11 of the frame 7 and the lower end portion thereof are provided with the sockets 16 and 17 respectively, through which the upright 18 of the foot support 19 is slidably located. A horizontal portion 20 is provided at the lower end of the upright 18 and carries a pair of casters 21 for engagement with the floor to .permit the patient to easily move the injured limb.

For the purpose of holding the upright 18 in adjusted position with reference to the foot member, a screw 22, provided with an enlarged knurled head 23, is threaded into a boss 24 upon the cross bar 10 and arranged to selectively engage the sockets 25 upon the upright 18.

From the above it will be obvious that the splint may be attached to the broken limb and foot resting against the plate 8 of the foot portion of the splint, and the leg being bandaged within the leg portion 1 of the splint, the heel being received in the cutout .1

portion 6, the curved strap 14- providing suliicient room to accommodate the heel. The patient may rest the injured limb upon the floor, the casters 21 of the foot support engaging the floor. The foot may be raised or lowered to assume a comfortable position, by adjusting the upright 18. lVhen the patient retires the support is removed from the foot portion by loosening the screw 22 and withdrawing the upright 18.

A. splint is thus provided which is suificiently rigid to hold the broken bone in place and at the same time is sufficiently light to cause the minimum of discomfort to the patient. The adjustable support, provided with the casters, permits the patient to easily change the position of the injured limb without injury thereto. In the event it is necessary to take an X ray of the injured limb after the splint has been placed thereon, it will be seen that this may be accomplished without the necessity of removing the splint.

I claim 1. A fracture splint including a trough shaped leg portion, a foot plate rigidly connected to the lower end thereof, and a sup port for engagement with the floorvertically adjustab-ly secured to the foot plate.

2. A fracture splint including a trough shaped leg portion, a foot plate rigidly connected to the lower end thereof, and a support for engagement with the floor verti- Cally adj ustably secured to the foot plate, the lower end of the leg portion having a cut out portion'to receive the heel.

3. A fracture splint including a trough shaped leg portion, a foot plate rigidly .c0nnected to the lower end thereof, and a support for engagement with the floor vertically adjustably secured to the foot plate, the lower end of the leg portion having a cut out portion to receive the heel, and a curved strip connecting the leg portion and foot plate adjacent to the cut out portion.

In testimony that I claim the above, I have hereunto subscribed my name.

HARRY G. FOl VLER, 

